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You go places you’ve been meaning to go, sometimes conveniently located right in town. On my sister-in-law’s last day in town, we did a quick romp through the Chinese Gardens. I have a membership wherein I can take a friend, but how often do I use it. That’s right. Hardly ever.

Hibiscus would be a graceful addition to any garden. I didn’t notice the Farfugium planted at its feet until I saw this photo. I have that plant and love it.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' aka Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minerva’ aka Rose of Sharon with Farfugium

My very own Farfugiums–shiny, with big leaves, and they thrive in shade.

Farfugiums, as big as advertised.
My Farfugiums, grew as big as advertised, and maybe then some.

 

Maybe it was the heat. After admiring this foliage for a few moments and thinking it’d also be a nice addition, I thought, oh yes, I have a peony with nice foliage. Several, in fact.

Tree peonies fabulous flowers, and good foliage too.
tree peonies with good foliage too

This is not a brilliant photo, however, I included it because I couldn’t see a thing in the bright sun, so just pushed the button. Those little iPhones do a decent job, and they’re easy to carry. Though I did spend considerable time worrying that I’d drop it in the water.

Koi having a swim about.
koi having a swim about

 

Hey, where did that building came from. I definitely need to get out more often.

oasis in the city center
oasis in the city center

How happy I would be if my black bamboo ever looked like this. Swoon.

Phyllostachys nigra aka Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra aka Black Bamboo

And double swoon.

Phyllostachys nigra aka Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra aka Black Bamboo

My sis-in-law had this Ms. Pacman in her photos too. It’s a mystery.

water lilies with pac man
water lilies under attack by ms. pac-man

Loved the foliage on this conifer, but I couldn’t tell you what it is.

fabulous texture, but don't have the i.d.
fabulous texture, but I could use some help on the i.d.

There were three in pots. Thuja, maybe. I need to up my foliage recognition game.

Three conifers all in a row.
Three conifers all in a row. Loved them.

There were i.d. sheets lying around; so that’s good. But I kept getting distracted, especially since I couldn’t find the droids I was looking for. I know, you’re surprised.

plant guides strew about freely
plant guides strewn about freely
and more plant guide
and more plant guide

I know begonias have been around forever, but are we seeing more these days. Or am I the last to recognize it? I like them, and I’m sure if they got to know me, they’d like me too.

Begonia ?
Begonia ?

I don’t have this Jasmine groundcover, but that needs to change. Who’s with me?

Jasmine
Trachelospermum asiatica ‘Variegatum’ aka Asian Jasmine. 

And peace descends upon the earth. More gardens could do that, don’t you think?

your basic breathtaking vignette
peaceful vignette

 

I’d love to sit in that little Pagoda in the early morning, and practice feeling peaceful.

more beauty
sitting or viewing, pretty swell

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a mere 5 miles from my house. I swear, I’m going to get there more often. And don’t forget, I can always take a friend. You can stand here, and I’ll take your picture.

I'll take your picture.
stand here for your picture

Cheers